To continue the momentum of protecting Coyote Valley for years to come, Open Space Authority is now managing two new properties in Mid-Coyote Valley in partnership with Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST).
In March 2021, POST purchased two properties, which span 271 acres across the valley floor. Shortly after the purchase, the Authority took on management of both properties for POST. Containing critical habitat, these properties provide ample opportunities for restoration helping to expand a protected greenbelt for wildlife between the Santa Cruz Mountains and Diablo Range, bringing us one step closer to achieving Coyote Valley’s conservation goals.
Over the last decade, the Authority and its partners have protected thousands of acres throughout Coyote Valley. Protecting this landscape of statewide significance is one of the Authority’s top conservation priorities, because of its key wildlife linkage, crucial floodplains, importance and proximity to local communities, agricultural viability, cultural significance, and much more. Acquiring these properties is yet another significant step in protecting Coyote Valley for years to come.
The 206-acre property connects the Authority’s Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve with two of POST’s properties in Mid-Coyote Valley. The 65-acre property is located just south of the North Coyote Valley Conservation Area. Fisher Creek runs through both properties and provides numerous opportunities to protect and restore habitat conditions for many wildlife species that reside in the valley and utilize the creek as a movement corridor.
“These acquisitions bring us that much closer to fulfilling our vision of a protected landscape linkage between the Santa Cruz Mountains and the Diablo Range,” said Linda Kwong, Real Property Specialist at the Authority. “Coyote Valley is crucial to the wildlife of this area, and POST’s purchase of these properties along Fisher Creek enables us to work on restoring and enhancing this important corridor.”
“The natural environment is our first line of defense against climate change. This land will serve us all best if we allow it to act as the wildlife passage and groundwater repository that it wants to be,” said Walter T. Moore, president of POST.
Management of these properties includes patrols, vegetation management, installation of appropriate signage and fencing, baseline data collection for future restoration planning, and potential staff or docent-led activities with members of the public and conservation partners.
These acquisitions are yet another important step in protecting Coyote Valley for future generations as they tie into a variety of public access opportunities and events, including an exciting three-part educational webinar series premiering later this year. To receive updates about the webinar series, be sure to sign up for our Master Plan interest list. The Authority looks forward to leading the continued restoration and protection of this vibrant landscape.
